View Full Version : Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar
tim lewin
14-01-2008, 06:13
Never mind that the Square was named after the vistory off Cape Trafalgar he was inded a great man and more importantly was a humane leader of his people at a time when life in the RN could be short and brutal and abuse of sailors was common. When Nelson's body was brought back from Trafalgar it was initially preserved in rum but the sailors drunk frim it giving rise to the expression "Nelson's Blood". Later it was replaced with high alcohol spirits rather than brandy but derived from grapes which is poss why has been handed down as brandy.
When Trafalgar 200 celebrations decided to have a celebration banquet at Greenwich in the Painted Hall, where nelson lay in State before being carried by a flotilla of boats up the Thames to his interrment. I was lucky to persuade on of my clients, the State (formerly Royal Tsarist) winery at Yalta to present to the banquet 200 litres of Port and Marsala made to secret Tsarist recipes. The banquet was attended by HRH Prince (Capt. RN) Andrew and 400 of the great and good including the ambasadors of Ukraine and Malta. Before you ask, when Nelson relieved Malta and made it a Bristish Proctorate after the French had been persuaded to leave he found that they had eaten everything eatable and taken everything useable from the dockyard. He sent his supply train chief, Captain Eaton, into the Black Sea to Russia (Now Ukraine) from where he returned with three ships full to the gunnels with timber, spars, cordage, meat, fresh produce and of course, wine!
For those too far away here are some pictures of the Painted Hall, I have more but the site is being a bit selective this morning and kept rejecting the others.
tim
tim lewin
14-01-2008, 06:24
a couple more, from the presentation ceremony of the wines from Massandra Winery. The history of the winery can be found on the internet in case anyyone is interested. The directors decided it was bad joss to broach the barrels before the banquet and brought with them a case of 1945 "Victory" port with which to toast success to the celebrations!
tim
The Gentleman giving the speech is Admiral Nick Wilkinson (a trustee of the foundation that manages the ORNC and the last Admiral to actually work in the College under the MoD tenure)
herakles
14-01-2008, 06:27
A Good read. Someone who also has a deep respect for the man. Sounds like the celebrations were a roaring success!
Thanks too for the 3 pics. They helped.
Its impossible to think of an adventure Nelson had that wasn't brilliantly successful!
But the point you made of his positive attitudes to his men and ships is a really significant one. There were some very brutal men who captained ships at that time. After all, the mutiny wasn't that long before.
I feel that if Aubrey could worship the ground he stood on, then he must be OK!
Lastly, to have had Collingwood as 2 i/c at Trafalgar was worth two ships of the line in my humble opinion.
We won't see the likes of Nelson again. Interesting co-incidence that Britain threw up a remarkable army commander at the same time in Wellington. Twice blessed!
tim lewin
14-01-2008, 06:33
Another far-sighted leader i regard to the treatmwent of his men was Captain Cook, not strictly RN but hugely important in his exploration, charting and anti-scurvey work. Captain Bligh I bleieve also sailed with Cook in his early days, and lets not forget George Vancouver who took over after Cook was killed and gave his name to the Canadian city. My father was closely involved with the Cook bi-centennials through his RN work in Australia & NZ and thereafter became a dedicated enthusiast. I would add that he was also much appreciated by all who served with him for his consideration for the his ship's companies.
All best
tim
The Sailor
14-01-2008, 06:39
Nelson's tomb at St Paul's Cathedral
Viscount Nelson's black sarcophagus undoubtedly has the position of honour in the Crypt: it stands on a mosaic floor in the middle of the central space, surrounded by eight Tuscan pillars. In fact the sarcophagus was already nearly 300 years old when it was given for Nelson. It had been commissioned by Cardinal Wolsey in around 1524, before he fell from favour with Henry VIII.
The wooden coffin inside the sarcophagus was made out of the mainmast of the French flagship L'Orient, captured at the Battle of the Nile.
The mosaic floor contains nautical motifs such as anchors and ropes, together with Nelson's famous signal to the fleet before the Battle of Trafalgar: 'England expects every man will do his duty.'
herakles
14-01-2008, 08:14
For Cardinal Wolsey? Wow!
There is some debate as to the actual signal that Nelson sent that fateful day.
The Sailor
14-01-2008, 09:56
Signaling of England Expects...
Nelson's signal at Trafalgar shows some of the shortcomings of Howe's code. The first eight words were each signaled with a three flag hoist. Even the two letter word "do" needed a hoist of three flags. Nelson had wanted to send "confides", but the word was not in the code book so he settled for "expects" which was. The last word "duty" was also not in the code book, and the closest words that were, "best" and "utmost" were not considered appropriate. "Duty" therefore had to be spelt letter by letter which took seven flags. Because illustrations of the signal show all the flags at once it is sometimes thought that this was how the signal was sent. Actually of course it was sent in a succession of hoists over a period of four minutes.
To avoid the code being deciphered, in time of war the actual meaning of each flag in Howe's code would change periodically every six months. Hence, would one expect Popham's code to change with it. Thus to resend Nelson's signal six months later, it appears one would have needed different flags.
It used to be thought that Nelson's signal had been sent using the 1803 code. In about 1912 Perrin, the Admiralty Librarian who wrote "British Flags", discovered that a 1799 code book had been captured by the French in August 1803, and that consequently the code had been changed before Trafalgar in October 1805. Illustrations of Nelson's signal before between 1885 and 1908 show the correct flags in the wrong arrangement.
John Brown
14-01-2008, 14:45
As Herakles has mentioned Collingwood, I thought you guys might be interested in this little story......
Last summer I decided to take an 'on the spur of the moment' break. I walked into a travel agent on the Friday and asked what they had available, somewhere warm and leaving the following day. The girl came up with a week in Menorca at a hotel called 'Almirante Collingwood House'. I booked the package and flew out the next day.
I'm sure you can imagine my delight when, on arrival at the hotel I was informed that it was not only named after the Great man but it was actually the house he lived in during his service in Menorca. The present owner bought it some years ago as a derelict shell and has painstakingly restored it to much of how it must of been over 200 years ago. There are scores of naval paintings and artefacts from the period adorning the walls etc and to walk in the building is like stepping back in time. Naturally, being a hotel, there are now one or two modern additions such as a swimming pool and a bar but these are relatively descrete and do little to spoil the naval enthusiasts enjoyment of the place. Once or twice a week the owner gives guided tours of the building relating its history. If you are ever out that way it's well worth a visit.
Regards...John
Hello all. Wondering if any of you guys can help me? Im currently preparing a brief on Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar and I am trying to find out what influence it has had on modern naval strategy and tactics.
I know that you guys know your stuff and are probably a lot more knowledgable than me.
Any help would be amazing
Thanks
X Gill
herakles
01-02-2008, 22:47
Welcome to the forum gillc!
I hope you get the information you are looking for.
Perhaps you can share with us the nature of your task and what you have put together so far?
Commodore Armiger
04-02-2008, 16:46
I suspect that there is many a monograph on just this subject mouldering in the archives of RNC Dartmouth. If you want to compare/contrast war at sea in the age of sail and in the ironclad age I would recommend Andrew Lambert's "War at Sea in the Age of Sail" and Richard Hill's "War at Sea in the Ironclad Age", both in Cassell's History of Warfare series.
I cannot claim any special knowledge as a military historian, but it seems to me that Trafalgar was the culmination of 250 years of gradual development in naval tactics and arguably not the purest example of fleet tactics in the age of sail (much of the British fleet was still trying to get into line when action commenced - albeit more successfully than their opponents).
As for strategy, Nelson could be said to be still in effect responding to Villeneuve's crossing and re-crossing of the Atlantic earlier in 1805 rather than conducting an innovative strategy of his own. The grand strategy of course was to prevent the invasion of the British Isles by a) bottling up French fleets, and b) bringing them to action if possible and destroying them.
Trafalgar was the last major fleet action of the 19th century, and the passing of sail power and "wooden walls" changed naval warfare for ever. Nelson would have recognised what Jellicoe and Beatty were up to in the North Sea during WW1 (lines of ships, "crossing the T" et al) but might have been baffled by Midway or Coral Sea - except that he would have recognised the need to apply the maximum effort at just the right moment, and to have trained the crews to be able to do all that was necessary and more.
If anything control of the seas was the longest lasting lesson of the age of sail. Nelson didn't invent it, but certainly practised it to perfection. Subsequent ages have proved its worth - Germany failed to gain it twice using U boats. The allies managed it twice using first battleships and then aircraft carriers. The Soviet Union recognised its value but failed to gain control, lacking both the resources and the access to the high seas.
The Sailor
04-02-2008, 23:02
A good answer Commodore. You put it rather well.
Gill, it seems that the tactics Nelson espoused in the Royal Navy were what was later decribed as the "Nelson Touch".
He seemed to combine a lot of luck with bravado and dash to bypass anything he thought was not to his liking. This was especially directed at orders he didn't agree with.
At one point during the battle with the Danes, Vice-Admiral Nelson and Rear Admiral Graves seemed to be in so bad a position, as seen from Sir Hyde Parker's ship some four miles away, that he had signal 39 made: Recall / Leave off the action. According to The Life of Horatio Lord Nelson - Robert Southey (1896), Sir Parker elaborated on his order with: "I will make the signal of recall, for Nelson's sake. If he is in a condition to continue the action successfully, he will disregard it; if he is not, it will be an excuse for his retreat, and no blame can be imputed to him."
Neither of the commanders complied. According to Southey, when Nelson was made aware of the signal, he ordered to acknowledge it, but not to repeat it to his ships; rather to keep up his signal for close action, being signal 16. Graves did in fact repeat the signal, but left the signal 16 up in a more prominent place. To his captain, Nelson elaborated: "You know, Foley, I have only one eye, I have a right to be blind sometimes:". He then put his spying glass to his blind eye and continued: "I really do not see the signal!", and then, "Damn the signal! Keep mine for closer battle flying! That's the way I answer signals! Nail mine to the mast!"
And with that style of tactics, Nelson sailed on into history.
herakles
05-02-2008, 19:33
If we are to believe Patrick O'Brian (and why not) Nelson's approach was the "up and at 'em" one. More likely to succeed as he knew he had superb crews in his ships.
Hello all. Wondering if any of you guys can help me? Im currently preparing a brief on Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar and I am trying to find out what influence it has had on modern naval strategy and tactics.
I know that you guys know your stuff and are probably a lot more knowledgable than me.
Any help would be amazing
Thanks
X Gill
Try contacting the curator of HMS Victory , Mr Peter Goodwin. I am sure Peter would assist you. Peter served in the RN (submariner) and has written a number of factual and very interesting books on Nelsons Navy.
As Trafalgar Day is nearing. (21st October) There might be a few members who will not have a clue what we are talking about.
Here are cuttings from The Times dated 1805-06 to give them an insight into one of the greatest military victories in English history and, arguably, the greatest English hero of them all. Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson, 1st Duke of Bronté, KB
I have never understood the stories of starving & lashed sailors. The sailors of those days used a lot of energy, climbing masts, working sails, hauling heavy objects, these would have been impossible on low calorie diets. The punishments may sound harsh today but then you would have to compare naval punishment with that inflicted on civilians. Some offences for which sailors were flogged, ashore they could have been hanged. I have noticed in touring Victory over the years the emphasis on harsh treatment has been more muted, by the guides.
Well I am surprised.
I thought that I would have got some response to my posting about this Great man. (Post #9)
Perhaps everybody knows everything about Nelson.
Perhaps there is no interest in Naval history except for the last 100 yrs.!!!!!!
Again. That does surprise me.
Dave
Not that I feel that I have wasted my time. I enjoyed reading it. Especially because it is contemporary.
Guz rating
07-10-2009, 21:19
Well I am surprised.
I thought that I would have got some response to my posting about this Great man. (Post #9)
Perhaps everybody knows everything about Nelson.
Perhaps there is no interest in Naval history except for the last 100 yrs.!!!!!!
Again. That does surprise me.
Dave
Not that I feel that I have wasted my time. I enjoyed reading it. Especially because it is contemporary.
Dave I for one is glad you resurrected Admiral Nelson which is the period of Naval history I am most interested in. The person who was most written about was Nelson. And what I read I admired. He was not blind in one eye as is commonly believed. His forehead and eye were injured by a piece of cannon wadding maybe at the battle of St Vincent. He was a brave man who was always willing to lead a boarding party. One of the reasons his men liked him, and he took good prizes. Something that will make Jack really love you, give him plenty of money. I think he was vain about his appearance which may have been his downfall. He must have known French standing orders was to shoot the officers. He must have stood out like a Christmas tree on the quarter deck. Cometh the hour cometh the man.
Alan
Thanks Alan.
It has been said more than once to me , "Why are reading about Trafalgar. You were there, werent you?"
Guz rating
08-10-2009, 00:06
Thanks Alan.
It has been said more than once to me , "Why are reading about Trafalgar. You were there, werent you?"
I was there Dave up to me eyes in cannon balls and splinters. The people who who would question anyone reading history is a fool. How would we stop making the same mistakes.
Alan.
Union Jack from Trafalgar
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article6865456.ece
alanbenn
08-10-2009, 12:07
I thought that I would have got some response to my posting about this Great man.
Dave, like yourself I love the history of that period, although to be honest I don't like reading books so it's a bit limiting for me:p
Anyhow here is a wonderful painting of the man himself and might I add a 'real' painting......:rolleyes:
Regards
Alan
Guz rating
08-10-2009, 13:17
I like the painting Alan you are a lucky man to have it. They have the coat he was shot in at the Maritime Museum. He was quite a slight man, but what a man and what a spirit. His first ship at the age of twelve was the "Raisonnable" his uncle on his mothers side was the captain I think it was a sixty four gun ship. Like in all walks of life its the luck of the draw. If you get a reasonable man in command or a git.:eek: Lucky for Nelson's men he was the latter. Keith (Old salt) makes a very important point about conditions at the time.
Alan.
The Times| September 29, 1958
Truth About The Nelson Touch
Dreadnought
09-10-2009, 09:17
Well I am surprised.
I thought that I would have got some response to my posting about this Great man. (Post #9)
Perhaps everybody knows everything about Nelson.
Perhaps there is no interest in Naval history except for the last 100 yrs.!!!!!!
Again. That does surprise me.
Dave
Not that I feel that I have wasted my time. I enjoyed reading it. Especially because it is contemporary.
Dave,
Just to say, whilst I, like probably a lot on this forum, know a good deal about Nelson, I do not tire about reading about him. So thanks for your postings. As for your comment "... There might be a few members who will not have a clue what we are talking about ...." If there are such members, then they should be dispatched forthwith!! Intimate knowledge of our greatest hero should be a compulsory qualification for walking thought the corridors of this great forum. Nelson's tactical brilliance laid the foundations for Britain's world naval dominance for the ensuing hundred years. The 'Immortal Memory' should remain thus so.
For those who are interested, and have not seen it, I have re-created and posted Nelson's 'England Expects' signal in the 'RN Signal Flags, Pendants and Pennants' thread (post #134). along with some details of the 'confusion' about the actual flags used (post #87).
Copenhagen. From The Times Archive. April 20, 1801
A piece about Nelson's Birthday. From The Times Archive. 29th September 1905
Guz rating
09-10-2009, 18:24
A very nice article Dave strange to imagine it was written 103 years ago and criticising the then modern navy. Things don't change, were things better when we were in? I am currently reading the "Life Story of Nelson" written over 100 years ago. I found it on a very interesting site were you can read online its called "Many Books" worth a look. I remember when I was about four been taken by my father to the top of Nelson's Pillar in Dublin. He must have had to carry me most of the way. I think it was 350 steps to the top the poor man.
Sadly blown down by a bunch of misguided people. I went to Dublin about two years ago the first time for over fifty years. Nelson's pillar has been replaced by a stainless steel spike. I know what I preferred.:eek:
Alan.
ivorthediver
09-10-2009, 19:24
Dave I have just viewed this post and thank you for bringing it back into view [ and Terry also my thanks]
It is a topic dear to me ....like most English lads it was my hero ....yet strangely it has taken this Forum to acquaint me with the facts displayed here
thank you all for taking the time to do so .
Regards Ivor:o
Thanks Ivor.
So many people say "Sure I know Nelson, Died at Trafalgar". And that is all they know.
Dreadnought
09-10-2009, 21:39
ADM/52/3711 ..... HMS Victory Log .... not brilliantly readable, but such a incredibly magnificent record.
BuntingBob
09-10-2009, 23:38
Trafalgar Flag for Auction.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article6865456.ece
Let's hope this is purchased by a British Museum.
Guz rating
10-10-2009, 01:06
Trafalgar Flag for Auction.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article6865456.ece
Let's hope this is purchased by a British Museum.
Thank you Bob, I hope Greenwich Maritime museum pick it up. But I doubt it I tried to get some money out them to refurbish the grave stones of sailors who served at Trafalgar they said they had no money. But I think it will go for a lot more then £15000.
Regard
Alan.
Bob and Alan. I would like to draw your attention to a thread that was started regarding HMS Spartiate's flag. I am not doing this as a "I started it first" thing but we should all be singing out of the same hymn book if we are going to impact this disgusting travesty. Good work lads. Regards Les
Tomsam
If you look at Post #17 you will find a link about the Flad that I placed here 3 days ago!!!!
tim lewin
21-10-2009, 15:06
don't forget the shot-to-bits foresail from the victory in the RN museum at pompey.
The NMM recently recieved a huge gift, £25m wasnt it? from Sammy Ofer to build a new extension.
I have in my book collection a small immediately post-war publication which is called "What would Nelson do", which deals with all of the very many grievances of Jack and the shabby treatment meted out by the MoD to sailors in those days. A fascinating insight to the prevailing conditions which i guess must have had some influence on my father as he kept it all that time...
Anyone else come across this book?
tim
Guz rating
21-10-2009, 20:55
don't forget the shot-to-bits foresail from the victory in the RN museum at pompey.
The NMM recently recieved a huge gift, £25m wasnt it? from Sammy Ofer to build a new extension.
I have in my book collection a small immediately post-war publication which is called "What would Nelson do", which deals with all of the very many grievances of Jack and the shabby treatment meted out by the MoD to sailors in those days. A fascinating insight to the prevailing conditions which i guess must have had some influence on my father as he kept it all that time...
Anyone else come across this book?
tim
Hello Tim,
It was remarked by Keith (Oldsalt) in the thread that smiler crimes on shore received much harsher punishments. Deportation and hanging for what we would consider minor crimes today. Today one of the Trafalgar flags was sold at auction for over £300,000. It grieves me that our Naval heritage is being tossed away like a used tissue. In East Greenwich in a little park three thousand sailors are buried, approximately 2800 in unmarked graves. Most of these men are veterans from Trafalgar and other major battles. Records of the men in the unmarked graves are in existence, they were kept in the National Maritime Museum Greenwich. But according to Peter Van Der Merwe, they were moved. I have since heard they could be with the National Arch-chives, I will see if I can get access to them and hopefully copies. I will then post them here, we live in hope.:)
Alan
barracuda
21-10-2009, 22:07
Er, I thought I would post a nice photo of Victory taken around 1900 and then coloured by some contemporary photographic process. I don't know what the signal flags say (if anything). If one zooms in a boat is being raised and there are sailors loafing in the rigging.
Peter Thomas
astraltrader
22-10-2009, 01:23
In case anyone is interested there are plenty more postcards of HMS Victory in this gallery.
http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1792&page=1
Hi All,
Just noticed this interesting little snippet on the news, about the auction of an original Union Jack that had been flown from the mast of HMS Spartiate, during the Battle of Trafalgar and then presented to Lieutenant James Clephan by his crew for his bravery in the battle. It had been kept, (tucked up in a drawer), by his family who'd migrated to Sydney, Australia in the 1960s, and was put up for auction yesterday and bought by an American flag collector (for nearly $700,000). The anonymous buyer is now negotiating with the British Govt. in the hope that they will keep it on display in the U.K. (I think that given its history, that would be the most appropriate place for this great piece of British Naval memorabilia.)
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/10/22/2720736.htm
Regards,
Bee
O.K. qprDave...have you been holding out on us...???....when did you start collecting flags?
Guz rating
22-10-2009, 11:03
Very nice article Bee thanks for the information, I hope you and the family are well.
Take care
Alan
That a collector would have the good form to put such vast sums of money to acquire such an important piece of history and then offer to display it where it has the greatest meaning is remarkable. It's a great story all around.
Bee, thanks for giving us such a positive thought for the day.
Fred
"O.K. qprDave...have you been holding out on us...???....when did you start collecting flags?"
I think it must have been Lisbon when, coming back after a good run ashore. We tried to climb a Portuguese Government building to "Liberate" a flag.. Nearly got caught but we heard the Police sirens and we did what all Matelots do in an emergency of this kind. Run!!!!!!!!!
tim lewin
22-10-2009, 15:36
Dear Alan, I know Peter VDM, when my father died and I presented the NMM with his archive it was Pieter who cam and made the first sorting out of the collection.
When I did the sponsoring of the Port and Marsala for the Royal beano for the 200th anniversary at Trafalgar I tried very hard to find a link between Nelson and Russia, of which Ukraine was then a part (my wine came from the former Royal Winery at Massandra in Crimea). This was a fascinating task, I discovered there were at least 15 Russians in the different ships companies at Trafalgar (on our side!!) but more importantly, when Nelson releived Malta he id it by blocade. After the Nile his dsid not feel his fleet could face another major conforntation so he blocaded the French in Grand Harbour until they asked to leave under a truce. He let them go and took over the Island which rejoiced to be rid of them and placed itself under the protection of the British Crown. Unfortunately the French had eaten everything down to the last rat, there was no food, no cordage, no timber, no spars and worst of all no drink. He despatched his supply train, 3 RFAs, under a captain Eaton to search for urgent sustenance. He went into the Black Sea and returned from Odessa and the Crimea loaded with all these commodities. And thus was my presentatio of 200 litres of best Port wine and Marsala justified. I was able to arrange for the Ukrainian Ambassador to sit next to the Maltese High Commissioner, both opposite Prince Andrew. There are pictures on the forum somewhere of the presentation...
tim
ivorthediver
22-10-2009, 17:32
Well done Tim ,
Sounds like you have been working your but off ....good man
Dave Hutson
22-10-2009, 18:44
Nice one Bee, It would be fitting for the Brits to obtain the flag and a fitting place for it would be the Trafalgar museum in Pompey, particularly in the section which houses the sails from Victory showing the damage sustained during the Battle.
Perhaps our Ednamay would supervise and report back on the result [shud it appen]
Dave H
Guz rating
22-10-2009, 23:19
Dear Tim, thank you for your fascinating description of the hooley in the "Painted Hall" in Greenwich. I have three questions to ask, 1st did they drink all the port, 2nd have you any left. 3rd If yes when are you going to organise a wine tasting evening.:D I remember about twenty years ago, in a pub in Kensington Prince Andrew shifting a few, so I should imagine the answer to my 1st question is yes.:)
Take care Tim.
Alan
tim lewin
23-10-2009, 04:38
When I asked the MD of the winery to join in this celebration he asked how many were attending, 400, I told him, better make that 200 litres then, half each, was his response! this was to follow the champagne on arrival and still wines during the meal (not sponsored by us) so ours was just for the important bit, the toast to the IM. They did indeed drink it all but I think there was enough in the end for another hooley the following night. I think there were actually about 4-5 celebratory dinners in the PH for the 200th but only the one on the 21st had a Royal presence. I didn't actually attend, living out of London I try not to do evenings unless they are really important to business. Last year I went to the HMS Belfast dinner which was most enjoyable, prior to that the only formal Trafalgar night I have attended was in HMS Nelson in 2000 (Adm. Sir Nigel Essenhigh) which was a splendidly Rabelesian occaision.
The wines from Massandra are excellent though. I have recently agreed with the winery to actually sell it for them in the UK so in due course we can have a "special offer" mail order for the forum!
When the MD came over to join us in the small celebration to make the presentation to the Greenwich Foundation in the PH he said it would be unlucky to broach the barrels before the event so brought with him instead, to toast the presentation, some 1945 "Victory" Port, words cannot do justice to drinking a wine made in 1945 on the shores of the Black Sea celebrating the victory over the Nazi Army. There are pics on the site of this, the wine is excellent but under EU regulation we ca no longer use the terms Port, Madeira, or Sherry, all wines they have made since 1890. When we begin to market her I am proposing to call the Livadia Red Port (there is also a white) "Marlborough Celebration" in memory of the RN battleship that rescued the majority of the Russian Royal family from the Crimea (very close to the winery) after the Revolution, with a picture of the ship on the label. You can google "HMS Marlborough" to get this fascinating story..
tim
Lord Nelson returned to work half an hour after losing arm
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/6451152/Lord-Nelson-returned-to-work-half-an-hour-after-losing-arm.html
I recently acquired the book "Maritime Miscellany by Julian Stockwin (The author of the Kydd sagas) In it is a heading NELSONS BLOOD.
I quote:-The myths persist that after he died on board HMS Victory of his wounds sustained at the battle of Trafalger. Nelsons body was preserved in a cask of rum before being returned to England fo burial. On the way home,according to some versions of the story, the sailors on board Victory drilled a hole in the cask and drank the rum, hoping to imbibe some of his strength and courage. To this day in the Royal Navy rum is known as "Nelsons blood"
Most sailors were committed to the deep if they died at sea, but Nelson had made it plain that he did not wish such a fate. This presented surgeon Beatty with the task of preserving the body. There was not sufficient lead on board to make an airtight coffin and he had neither the equipment nor the knowledge of embalming. After cutting off some of Nelson hair for Lady Hamilton, Beatty place the shirt clad body in a water leaguer, the largest barrel aboard. He filled this with brandy, probably taken from a French prize, and lashed the barrel to the mainmast on the middle deck. There, it was guarded day and night by an armed marine.
En route to Gibralter the sentry got the fright of his life when the lid of the barrel began to rise up, no doubt as a result of the body`s release of internal gases. At Gibralter it was found that Nelson`s body had absorbed a quantity of the brandy which was replaced with spirits of wine, a better preservative..Owing to bad weather, the long voyage back to England took over four weeks and during the course of it, the cask was renewed twice with two parts of brandy to one part spirits of wine
In England Nelson`s body was placed in the "L`Orient coffin." Which in turn was sealed into an ornate outer coffin covered in black and gold chasings, and the nation`s hero lay in state within the Painted Hall at Greenwich Hospital before the state funeral. Admiral Nelson was finally laid to rest in St.Pauls Cathedral.
I thoroughly enjoyed perusing through JUlian Stockwins book of Maritime Miscellany. It contains many snippets of interest to anyone with a love of the sea.
Cheers,Stan
Re: "Maritime Miscellany by Julian Stockwin (The author of the Kydd sagas) In it is a heading NELSONS BLOOD"
Thanks for the lead on yet another good book, Stan. I'll be on the lookout for it at my local library. :)
Also great picture Rik...and I agree with qprDave....a lot of ropes...you wouldn't want to get them mixed up, would you.
Cheers,
Bee
Article published in The Times commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar
Don Boyer
01-05-2010, 19:46
To supplement Dave's post of the Times articles on Trafalgar, I have an original edition of "The Gentleman's Magazine" of November 1805 which contains articles on Trafalgar and the life of Nelson.
This was a gift from a dear friend in Little Maplestead, and occupies THE place of honor in my naval memorabilia display case. The first post discusses the life of Nelson while the second has the articles relating to Trafalgar. I apologize for some being slightly "skewed," but I did not want the platen on my scanner pressing too hard on a 205 year old magazine! :eek:
Regards,
steve roberts
01-05-2010, 19:53
Hi Don.Thank you for taking the time (Not to mention the risk with such old documents) for posting that.It made a fascinating read.
Regards Steve.
Don Boyer
01-05-2010, 19:55
The first part of the Trafalgar articles from The Gentleman's Magazine.
Don Boyer
01-05-2010, 19:57
And the final part of the Trafalgar article. Sorry for splitting things up...apparently electrons from Hawaii to England have a heavy load to carry and it won't accept all the pieces in one post without crashing.
Regards,
steve roberts
01-05-2010, 20:10
Hi Don.Once again well done,and thanks for taking the time to post them.
Regards Steve.
That's Great Don. Thanks
Can never get too much about, arguably, Britain's greatest naval victory
Dave
Don Boyer
01-05-2010, 22:19
Thanks, gentlemen. I had been meaning to post them for some time, but had to await the new printer/scanner. Sure glad for the magnification capabilities on the forum...I can actually read the articles! :rolleyes:
Am I the only perfon in thif forum that getf confufed at the way the fpelt and wrote the letter f???
John Odom
02-05-2010, 01:08
Yes, I am slowed to a crawl by the archaic spelling. Believe it or not some modern educationists do not think standardized spelling is important. Spelling has been dropped from the local High school curriculum, and teachers have been instructed NOT to deduct from scores for spelling or grammatical errors. I'm glad I am retired!
Don Boyer
02-05-2010, 02:57
Funny, I equate an inability to spell properly with not being too bright. Tells me all I need to know about today's teachers. I loath our modern educational system for just this kind of lazy uncomprehending drivel.
And of course, if you really get bent with those odd uses of "s" and the like, I remember stumbling through English Lit. 201 and Chaucer in the original Middle English! :) No wonder you guys all spell words funny! :rolleyes:
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